risk-sensitive foraging

Risk-sensitive foraging describes how animals choose their food sources based not only on the amount of energy they can gain but also on the variability or unpredictability of that energy. When food is reliable, animals may prefer consistent sources; when food is scarce or unpredictable, they might take more risks to maximize gains, even if it means facing higher uncertainty. This behavior balances energy needs with safety, influencing how animals prioritize food options depending on their environment's stability, ultimately affecting survival and reproductive success.